Cover Letters

Cover letters are the first impression that employers get of you. They are a way to introduce both yourself and your resume. Cover letters are much more then just an opportunity to introduce yourself, they:

Explain your experiences and how they relate specifically to the job requirements

Provide a writing sample

Provide you an opportunity to individualize this application from other job applications.

While this thought is counterintuitive, cover letters are not about you. Cover letters are about how you can be an asset to the company, which is why every cover letter is unique. Always be sure to refer to the job posting when writing a cover letter.

Formatting

Tip from an Advisor: When addressing your cover letters, try to address it to a specific individual. Avoid using gender identifiers. When in doubt, use To Whom it may Concern:

Proofread! Proofread! Proofread!

Before sending off your cover letter, PROOFREAD!

Be sure to let your letter sit for a few days and then revisit it. You may find sentences that need to be improved or grammatical errors. You may also want to give the letter to a friend to edit. Ask them for ways to improve it; listen to what they have to say and revise where you see fit.

Jobs for Jacks

Jobs for Jacks is the NAU online recruiting system where employers can post job openings. Students can also post their resumes for employers to search through.

Checklist

Once you have finished writing your cover letter, be sure to run through our checklist. Make sure you covered everything.